How to Resolve BMW Automatic Parking Brake Malfunction?

[OMaggie]

Can restarting the vehicle restore functionality? Reprogram the EMF control module. If fault codes for the parking servo motor are reported, inspect the parking servo motor and its circuit. If no fault codes are present, check the entire related circuit.

[Daedalus]

A few days ago, my friend's BMW also encountered an automatic parking brake malfunction, with the dashboard directly displaying a yellow 'P' with an exclamation mark warning. I told him not to panic and advised him to check three key areas: first, whether the electronic parking brake button was stuck or malfunctioning; second, whether the tires were jammed by snow or stones; and third, whether the brake pads had sufficient thickness. I also taught him the method to forcibly release the parking brake—press and hold the parking brake button for 5 seconds without stepping on the brake pedal, at which point you'll hear a click. It turned out that the left rear wheel brake caliper was frozen, and pouring warm water fixed it. If that didn't work, he would have needed to go to the shop to read the fault codes, especially for issues with the parking motor or control module, which could cost several thousand to replace.